Mmastodon WorldDiplomacy first seen 4 d ago, last 4 d ago, peak #6

Russia Releases American Stephen Hubbard After Trump Request

Original: 🟠 UPDATE Russia Releases US Citizen Stephen Hubbard Following Trump Request Stephen Hubbard is identified as the first A

Russia has released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, reportedly following a request from Donald Trump. Hubbard, 72, was the first American convicted of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Arrested in Izyum in 2022, he was sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison, a verdict he denied. His release is being read as a possible sign of easing US-Russia tensions and of Washington's ability to secure the freedom of detained Americans through direct negotiation.

Why now: The release is fresh news suggesting diplomatic movement between Washington and Moscow on detained Americans.

Stephen HubbardDonald TrumpRussiaUnited StatesUkraine

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• 🟠 UPDATE Russia Releases US Citizen Stephen Hubbard Following Trump Request Stephen Hubbard is identified as the first American convicted of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. He was arrested in Izyum in 2022, sentenced to nearly seven years in prison in 2024, and denies… · GeoWire

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